18/05/2018 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 18 May, the European Commission announced emergency humanitarian aid to contain the Ebola virus epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. More specifically, it has made an initial sum of €1.5 million available to provide logistical support to the World Health Organisation and further aid of €130,000 for the International Federation of the Red Cross. The 'Echo flight' humanitarian aviation service will transport medical experts, emergency personnel and equipment to the areas hit by the virus. The EU also stands ready, if necessary, to mobilise the European Medical Corps, a voluntary organisation of European teams of medical specialists and equipment, the Commission adds. According to the latest figures published by the WHO, the number of deaths caused by the epidemic stands at 25, out of a total of 45 cases, 14 of which have been confirmed. (SP)